Robert, Nat, and Cody are joined by Angela Fabbrini of the Cabin in the Woods podcast to discuss the life, literary work, and films inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft toiled away in poverty and semi-obscurity during his relatively short life, but ended up becoming one of the most influential writers of the 20th century through his tales of cosmic horror.

In this episode, we look at three films of eldritch horror directly inspired by Lovecraft with THE DUNWICH HORROR, DAGON, and THE CALL OF CTHULHU.

First up is 1970’s THE DUNWICH HORROR inspired by Lovecraft’s 1928 tale of the same name. The 1970 film takes some liberties with Dean Stockwell as Wilbur Whateley, the product of an earthly woman and an extra-dimensional being, going to great lengths to acquire a copy of the Necronomicon in order to open the gate to another world. A gateway that also involves Sandra Dee falling under his spell. It’s up to Ed Begley’s Dr. Armitage to confront Wilbur Whateley, and whatever is in the Whateley attic, and save the day.

We talk for a long time about THE DUNWICH HORROR. Dean Stockwell’s creepy stalker take, whether the climax works, the set design, and the film’s relationship to THE EVIL DEAD are among some of the topics we touch upon. Also, whether late 1960s/1970s orgy scenes stand up to time.

Next up is Stuart Gordon’s 2001 film DAGON, based on Lovecraft’s 1931 tale THE SHADOW OVER INNSMOUTH with bits of DAGON and FACTS CONCERNING THE LATE ARTHUR JERMYN AND HIS FAMILY thrown in for good measure. The filmed version relocates the story to Spain and finds vacationer Paul Marsh trying to escape a village of fish men and save his fiancee from a fate worth than death involving the fish god Dagon. And there’s a twist.

This is perhaps the most serious of Stuart Gordon’s Lovecraft films. Certainly the wettest, rankest, and most altogether disgusting. It’s also perhaps the most maligned of Stuart Gordon’s Lovecraft films, possibly for the previously discussed reasons, but does this intrepid group of podcasters agree?

Finally we turn our attention to the 2005 silent film adaptation of THE CALL OF CTHULHU from the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society. The film was inspired by Lovecraft’s famous 1926 short story and is perhaps the most faithful adaptation of any of Lovecraft’s works.

Andrew Leman is clearly a fan. But does making a silent film in the year 2005 work? That’s the key subject of the panel debate.

So, there’s no reason for a summoning ritual involving a sacrifice. You can give us a play below or Download the episode. Also, feel free to let us know what you think by commenting below or Email Us at [email protected] as we appreciate feedback.